The construction manager does not come, does not check, or he doesn't care about anything

Hi Balduin,

there was also nothing concrete in the construction contract with the general contractor on our side, with the same result as you: the site manager was maybe on the construction site 5 times or so, accordingly, a little "sloppiness" happened everywhere. He told us on the phone that he sometimes "manages" 28 construction sites simultaneously. Thank God only annoying minor issues have occurred so far, no collapsing walls or anything like that (so far!). My tip: pay for an expert from the Bauherren-Schutzbund or Verband Privater Bauherren or something like that yourself, at least they check in your interest. But that will cost you. For the final payment, we then deducted something from the general contractor, got sued, but the findings of the expert from the Bauherren-Schutzbund were definitely helpful for us. The few thousand euros extra for an expert at least help you to get a somewhat reasonable construction process. But it's not perfect either. Best: show up at the construction site every day and talk to the people. If it works: good. If not: annoy the respective head of the subcontractor crew until they work reasonably properly. It doesn’t cost money, but probably a lot of nerves. If you don’t have that chance: see above. Good luck...

Thank you Berny,

yes, I think I will have to do that, as I cannot rely on the BL. Even if I motivate him to come to the construction site, he will wander through the site listlessly and won’t notice any defects anyway. But interesting your tip about the final payment... how did it turn out?

Best regards,

Balduin

I think the remark referred to defects that occurred and not to the fact that the site manager was hardly ever on site! If that is not contractually regulated, you are rather at a disadvantage and in any case, it would be sensible to have your own expert.

What many builders do not know is that a site manager is not the representative of the builder's interests, but solely owes services to the construction company, general contractor, or total contractor that has commissioned him. In this respect, as long as the construction is ongoing, no one can be blamed.

Hello Frank,

my question was whether I, as a site manager, am allowed to say "I don't have to look at the result of a trade because I've known the company for 10 years... they don't make any mistakes anyway." As far as I know as a layman, the site manager or at least the construction company itself must ensure that "someone" has indeed reviewed the results of the subcontractors. How else would you know "if the construction is progressing" if you're never there...

Best regards,

Balduin

Hello Balduin, you are right, but if the site manager does not check it in his interest, it is so. Your contractor is liable for defects caused by a subcontractor. I therefore recommend the construction controlling by [TÜV] to every builder. Best regards Frank